With over 40,000 residents, Marion is one of the largest cities in Linn County, second only to Cedar Rapids. Well known as a manufacturing hub, the city and its economy has been steadily growing due to a revitalization spearheaded by the community. “Years ago, we had to decide what sort of city we wanted to be,” says Jeanne Matthews, a Realtor with Skogman Realty. “We don’t have a river, we don’t have a casino. We do have a fabulous historic district. Everyone got together as a community—from the public to the private sector—to decide how we wanted to grow.” This level of personal attention fostered a sense of community that Matthews says is essential to living in Marion. “Everyone steps up to the plate because they care.”
Manufacturing is a major industry in the area, with Rockwell Collins counting itself among the top employers in the city. Other job creators include the city government, Marion Independent School District and the local hospital system, including UnityPoint Health St. Luke’s Hospital and the Mercy Medical Center.
Marion is the second largest city in Linn County, behind only its neighbor Cedar Rapids.
Marion residents take pride in their city and the community it involves.
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New homes in Nottingham Hills
The median price for homes in Marion is in the high $200,000s, below the national median in the low $400,000s. Willowridge is known for its condos. Midcentury-style homes are in central sections of town, like the neighborhoods outside Starry Park and Marion High School. Bowman Hills has some of the latest 21st-century Contemporary Craftsman designs lining its streets.
Many century-old homes in the center of Marion have been updated and renovated.
Larger contemporary homes are found in the sprawling outskirts of Marion.
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High marks at Marion Independent School District
The Marion Independent School District has five public schools within the city and an overall A-minus grade from Niche. Iowa’s open enrollment options are a point of pride within the district. “Roughly 41% of our total attendance is open enrollment, which indicates that nearly half of our students have sought out our district specifically,” says Dr. Janelle Brouwer, Superintendent of Marion Independent School District. “We look at the interests and needs of the student rather than trying to fit them into existing programs,” she says. The Linn-Marr and Cedar Rapids Community School Districts also serve the area. Linn-Marr receives an A-minus from Niche, while Cedar Rapids has a B.
Mount Mercy was founded in 1928 by the Sisters of Mercy. It is a private Catholic university with 1,600 students and a respected Doctorate in Nursing program. Founded in 1851, Coe College is a private liberal arts university with 1,300 students. The Coe Writing Center is the largest student-run writing center in the country, featuring undergraduate writing consultants from nearly every major on campus.
Marion High School is one of two high schools in Marion.
Linn-Mar Schools serve the northern half of Marion.
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600 acres of nature, sports and relaxation
Marion has over 600 acres of public land and facilities across 22 parks and open spaces. These communal amenities include everything from flower gardens and splash pads to baseball fields and playgrounds. The city is approving the construction of an aquatic center, expanding the outdoor swimming pool with slides, a lazy river and an obstacle course. The Trust for Public Land estimates that over half of Marion’s residents live within a 10-minute walk to a public park.
The area also includes several golf courses, including Hunters Ridge and Indian Creek. Prospect Meadows is a baseball and softball complex that hosts regional and statewide competitions and tournaments across eight full-sized baseball fields.
Thomas Park is a city park that features a splash pad, disc golf course, and an expansive playground.
Marion's parks includes miles of paved trails that meander throughout the city.
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Celebrating local heritage at the Swamp Fox Festival
The city is known for its Swamp Fox Festival, a celebration of history named for Revolutionary War hero Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion. The annual weekend event includes live entertainment, a car show and a 5K race. Dozens of artisans and other exhibitors gather in May for the Marion Arts Festival. The one-day event includes live music, food vendors, a large variety of original works of art and a 5K race.
Local cultural institutions include the Granger House Victorian Museum and the Marion Heritage Center, which are open year-round.
Curated shopping uptown
Marion’s historic uptown commercial district is known for pedestrian-friendly walkability on sidewalks surrounded by 19th-century brownstones now converted to storefronts. The area offers a handpicked shopping experience, with storefronts approved by local government based on their appropriateness for a family friendly environment. “We’ve curated the businesses that come into the historic district--there’s a finite amount of space,” says Matthews. “We’ve got home décor, ladies’ boutiques and many cutting-edge businesses.” The largest cluster of franchise shopping and big box stores is just outside of the Marion limits on the way to Noelridge Park.
Uptown Marion is known for historic architecture and recent and future improvements.
Hip-stir is one of several Marion spots that locals love to frequent.
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Zero-elevation streets
Route 151 cuts through the city, creating a straight line to Cedar Rapids, some 7 miles southwest. Eastern Iowa Airport serves over a million travelers a year, with direct routes to cities like Chicago, Denver and Atlanta. After a request from the public, the city developed zero-elevation streets for the uptown. These completely flat roads make strollers and wheelchairs more user-friendly and less tiring.
Important to know
According to FBI stats, Marion’s violent and property-based crime rates are less than half of the state and national rates and dropped between 2022 and 2023.
The area has cold winters and warm, humid summers. Its highest average temperatures are in July, with the lowest in January.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Marion, IA sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Marion, IA over the last 12 months is $288,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Built in 2021 by K&A Homes, this beautifully designed ranch offers just under 2900 finished square feet with thoughtful details and quality finishes throughout. Step inside to an impressive great room featuring 10-foot ceilings, an inverted tray ceiling with crown molding, custom millwork, and a stacked-stone fireplace. The open layout flows into a gorgeous kitchen designed for both everyday
This charming two-story home offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and location. Ideally situated near Linn-Mar schools, parks, shopping, and dining, you'll enjoy easy access to everything you need while coming home to a welcoming neighborhood setting.Step inside to a bright and inviting eat-in kitchen that seamlessly connects to a newly added patio, making indoor-outdoor
Welcome to the Hamilton in Sycamore Heights - a beautifully designed ranch-style home offering 2,190 sq. ft. of finished living space with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, including a finished basement. From the moment you enter, the bright foyer leads past two spacious secondary bedrooms and a full bath—ideal for guests or a home office. At the heart of the home is an open-concept kitchen featuring
Right in the heart of Marion, just minutes from Uptown Marion & other shopping opportunities, this home is enhanced with a sleek seam metal roof & newer vinyl siding. 3 bedrooms on main level with 4th nonconforming room in the lower level. Plenty of windows to let the light flow in. Newer blinds. Hardwoods throughout the front living room and bedrooms. You will love the open social concept from
Located in the heart of Marion’s historic district, this charming turn-of-the-century duplex offers character, space, and strong income potential. Conveniently situated near uptown Marion, local shops, and community amenities, this property is ideally positioned for both tenants and investors alike. The upper and lower units each offer 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, providing spacious layouts that
Welcome to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom condo offering approximately 1,900 square feet of comfortable, stylish living space and a 2-car garage. The main level features gorgeous newly installed luxury flooring that creates a bright, modern feel throughout the spacious living areas. The large kitchen provides plenty of room for cooking and entertaining and flows nicely into the
Better than new! This 2021-built home has been thoughtfully enhanced with an impressive list of upgrades, creating a home that truly shows like new. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac with lots of kids and a wonderful neighborhood feel, this home is under 1.5 miles from all four Linn-Mar public schools! The open floor plan with a split-primary bedroom design is just one of the many benefits. The home
This spacious home offers an impressive amount of living space with room for everyone. The primary suite features a large bedroom, striking wood accent wall, and updated private bath with dual sinks and tiled shower. Additional bedrooms offer generous closets, while another updated bath adds style and functionality. The finished lower level is a standout, featuring an expansive recreation area
Whether you’re looking for a multi-generational home or an investment property, this Victorian home in the heart of Marion is a must see. You’ll first notice the beautiful hardwood floors, polished doorknobs and original woodwork welcoming you into the charm of the late 1800’s. Prepare to be captivated by the artfully carved staircase coaxing you to what lies ahead upstairs. A parlor provided a
Welcome to your inviting Marion home featuring a spacious, airy and bright floor plan. If being very close to Novak Elementary School and Linn-Mar Middle and High Schools is important to you, then you'll love this Meadow Glen property. This well-maintained home greets you with vaulted ceilings and skylights, flooding the space with natural light. The kitchen and dining area flow seamlessly into
Located in a growing Marion neighborhood, this like-new home offers modern finishes, a functional layout, and a setting that stands out. Situated on a corner lot and backing up to city-owned property, you’ll enjoy added privacy and open space behind the home.Step inside and you’re welcomed by impressive 10-foot ceilings and an open-concept main floor filled with natural light. The kitchen
Well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath attached condo featuring an open floor plan designed for comfortable everyday living. Relax on the welcoming covered front porch, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee. The main level offers a spacious primary suite with a private bath, convenient first-floor laundry, and seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas. The spacious unfinished
Welcome home to this spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bath ranch in the highly desirable Linn-Mar School District! Designed for comfortable everyday living and effortless entertaining, the open-concept floor plan features a welcoming living room with a cozy fireplace and a beautiful kitchen complete with granite countertops, abundant cabinetry, and all appliances included. The private primary suite offers a
Brand new ranch home with pond view in back yard! Luxury vinyl plank throughout the main level. Granite countertops in kitchen with breakfast bar. Nice dining area with access out to a partially covered deck. Primary bedroom has private bathroom and walk-in closet. Full finished basement with large rec area, bedroom and a full bathroom. Two car attached garage. Great neighborhood close to
Welcome to Boulevard Apartments & Townhomes, located in Marion, IA. Our community offers a variety of spacious and stylish apartment and townhome options, all equipped with in-unit laundry for your convenience.At Boulevard Apartments & Townhomes, we prioritize our residents' comfort and enjoyment. That's why we offer a variety of on-site amenities, including a community room, playground,
Azure Apartments is a larger apartment complex with a variety of unit sizes. Unit sizes range from small one bedroom to three bedrooms, with limited two bedroom two bathroom floor plans with in unit washer and dryers. Upon entering each unit you will be greeted with fresh paint, vinyl/tile/ or plank flooring in the bathroom and kitchen, and plush carpet throughout the bedroom, hall, and living
When you call Lynnwood Estates home, you’ll find yourself in a quiet setting in an excellent location in Marion. Our community offers spacious two and three-bedroom floor plans with washer dryer hookups, plus huge patios with additional storage. Designed with comfort in mind. With over 18 years of experience, the professional, on-site management staff will assist you in meeting all of your needs.
Executive 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo-style apartments near Lindale Mall, featuring open-concept layouts, in-unit washer and dryer and large patios/balcony Located off Armar Dr., just minutes from Collins Rd shopping and business parks.
As a pet-friendly and smoke-free community, Sunny Ridge Townhomes offers amenities that support a comfortable lifestyle. Attached two-car garages and easy access to nearby main roads enhance daily living. Contact our leasing team today to schedule a tour and discover your next home at Sunny Ridge Townhomes in Marion, IA.
If you are in the market for a smaller quite property, Grand View Apartments is for you!This location has one and two bedroom options available overlooking Marion baseball diamonds. Upon entering your unit you will find fresh updated paint, vinyl, plank, or tile flooring in the kitchen and bathroom, and soft carpet throughout the living area, hall, and bedroom(s). The open floor plans
Blairs Ferry Senior Apartments is a 60-unit, new construction apartment community aimed to provide quality & affordable housing for residents 55 & older. Blairs Ferry is located in Marion, IA, a suburb of Cedar Rapids.
*COMING SOON: Building B Apartments! Come and check them out soon!*Luxury Living Meets Everyday Convenience – East Marion, IowaWelcome to the beautiful East Town Apartments, an ultra-modern, pet-friendly apartment community located in the heart of Marion’s fast-growing East Side. These beautifully designed one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences offer open floor plans and an
Marion Lofts hosts a variety of floorplans, including 1-, 2- & 3-bedroom floor plans. The spacious apartments feature washer & dryer, ample closet space & more! Income restrictions apply, please contact the office for more details on how to qualify!
Broad and Main is a mixed-use neighborhood located in the heart of Uptown Marion. We believe everyone desires to live, work and play in vibrant, urban centers. Broad and Main will add new opportunities for Uptown living in contemporary lofts and condos, made simple by on-site amenities, tech-focused Property Management, and resident-oriented services and support.The site is historically
Quiet, Comfort, Affordability. Quiet convenient new community located just off Highway 100. All of our homes come with all appliances. We offer several spacious floorplans in a beautiful new community. With an on-site professional management team and 24-hour emergency maintenance. Come make Regal Townhomes your new home, with included garages and washers and dryers.
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